Balmoral Show 2025
2025-05-14 - 2025-05-17 | Eikon Exhibition Centre, Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RD, United Kingdom
We will be at Balmoral Show with Bella, our Kidney Cow and volunteers to promote the work of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund.

DRN run
2025-05-18 10:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Brantry Bard, 65 Carrycastle Road, Dungannon, BT70 1LT

Online Writing Workshop - Exploring what you have to say
2025-06-04 14:00 - 15:30

Armagh County Agricultural Show 2025
2025-06-14 | Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Armagh, BT60 1GD
🎉👑 Get Ready to Dress to Impress! 👑🎉
We’re bringing fashion flair to the fields this summer! 🌾💃
The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund is thrilled to partner with the vibrant Armagh County Show for a day where style meets tradition — and YOU could be crowned Best Dressed! 💥
From statement hats to bold boots, we want to see your most creative, eye-catching looks. 💫✨ Whether you’re channeling country chic or high fashion glamour, our style scouts will be watching…
🌟 With Miss Northern Ireland, Hannah Johns, and renowned designer Roslyn Trainor Rafferty on the scene, you can expect fashion inspo, fab prizes, and fierce competition! 👀🔥
📍 When: Saturday 14 June📍 Where: Gosford Forest Park, Markethill🎪 Plus: farm animals, tasty treats, crafts, kids’ fun, and you might even see Bella the Kidney Cow parading her way through Markethill!
Let’s make this the most stylish show yet – all in support of life-saving kidney research 💚

Dromara Vintage & Classic Club - Road Run
2025-06-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Rathfriland Road, Rathfriland Road, Dromara

Billy Old Rectory Garden Open Day 2025
2025-06-14 13:00 - 2025-06-15 17:00
14th & 15th June 2025 – 1pm-5pm
This is a mature 3-acre garden on a historic site. At the front of the Georgian rectory is a large lawn with mature trees, an ancient well and a developing woodland garden with a small fernery. At the rear there is another large lawn with contrasting borders of roses, herbaceous, shrubs and pond area. Also kitchen, greenhouse, herb, vegetable and fruit gardens and a large old orchard and area with wild flowers and annuals.
Teas will be provided on the lawn with all the proceeds going to the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund. Proceeds from teas to NIKRF.
For more detail and to book: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43393/billy-old-rectory-peace-garden

Online Writing Workshop - Try taking your writing further
2025-06-18 14:00 - 15:30

NIKRF June Meeting – ALL WELCOME!
2025-06-18 20:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
June 18 @ 8pm

Venue: TBC

Speaker: Professor Gerry Gormley MD FRCGP, GP Professor in Simulation and Clinical Skills at Queens’ University Belfast

Topic: ‘Using film to enhance empathic skills in medical students about renal disease and organ donation’

Waringstown Cavalcade 2025
2025-06-27 18:30 | Waringstown Cavalcade

Tullylish Vintage and Classic Vehicle Show 2025
2025-07-02 19:00
Another Week, Another Car Show!
Get ready for a spectacular evening at the Annual Vintage Vehicle Show hosted by Tullylish Parish Church! Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 2nd, from 7:00 PM at 35 Tullylish Road, Gilford, BT63 6DP.
Calling all enthusiasts! Whether you have a classic car, motorcycle, tractor, or any vintage vehicle, you’re welcome to showcase your pride and joy. Exhibitors can arrive from 4:30 PM onwards.
Indulge in delightful treats – tea, coffee, sandwiches, traybakes, and burgers will be available throughout the evening.
This event supports the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund, aiding vital kidney research and promoting organ donation awareness.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic community gathering! For more details, visit the event page: Tullylish Vintage and Classic Vehicle Show

Charity family fun day in honour of Bella-Rosè Moran
2025-08-03 12:00 - 17:00 | An Ráth Dubh, 53 Moneyneany Rd, Draperstown, Derry, BT45 7EN
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Cake & Chat with Paula McIntyre
2025-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Rose Cottage, 149 Ballyskeagh Rd, Belfast, BT17 9BY

Service of Thanksgiving
2025-08-31 18:30 | St Patricks Church, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LE
Join us for our Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 31st August at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LE.

It will be an evening where we come together in all our human emotions – joy, sorrow, hope, and gratitude. A space to be inspired, to reflect, to learn, and to give thanks for the gift of life and the strength we find in one another.

It will be an evening of inspiration and reflection with patient stories, reflections from our NIKRF Ambassador, and Mr. Stephen O’Neill, NIKRF medical advisor, Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Clinical Director of Nephrology and Transplantation, Belfast City Hospital and Honorary Professor, QUB.

💜 Together, we’ll give thanks and celebrate the precious gift of life.

Light refreshments will be served afterwards, offering a chance to connect and share in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Please contact s.kee@qub.ac.uk for further details of if you need access or dietary requirements.

Ballycarry's Larne Line Dancers - Charity Night
2025-09-13 20:00 | Whiteabbey Masonic Centre, Monkstown Avenue, Newtownabbey, BT37 0EB, United Kingdom
Charity Night in Aid of NIKRF

We are delighted that Larne Line Dancers, Ballycarry have chosen the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund as their charity of the year.

Their year of amazing support will end with a special Charity Night on Saturday 13th September at Whiteabbey Masonic Centre. The fun starts at 8pm and goes on till late.

Tickets are just £5 or you can pay at the door.

Whiteabbey Masonic Centre, Monkstown Ave, Newtownabbey BT37 0EB
Contact Brian: 077 0916 8282

If you cannot attend but would like to support their fundraising, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lld

A huge thank you to Larne Line Dancers, Ballycarry for their incredible commitment to raising funds and awareness for kidney research.

NIKRF Annual General Meeting (AGM) – ALL WELCOME!
2025-09-17 19:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom

Organ Donation Week 2025
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-28

ODW Lifecyle event with Translink
2025-09-25 15:00 - 18:00 | Grand Central Station, Belfast, BT12 5AX, United Kingdom
ODW Lifecycle event with Translink
Thursday 25 September
15.00-18.00
Grand Central Station

A virtual cycle event involving as many of our organ donation and transplantation community as possible.
There will be 3 static exercise bikes in the central area of Grand Central Station and the challenge will be to cycle from Belfast to Dublin and back – 322kms.
A ‘milestones’ board will be on display where we will keep track of the distances achieved as we go.
There will be an MC/host for the event to help draw attention to the event, explain what is happening, and have a short chats with various people who are taking part.
There will also be performances from members of the Renal Arts Group, and Aquinas Grammar school choir.

Turn the Peak Pink Donard Challenge
2025-09-26 09:30 | Slieve Donard, Newcastle, Co. Down
Turn the Peak Pink Donard Challenge
Friday 26 September
09.30 start
Donard car park

For more information and to take part, please register at: Turn The Peak Pink | Organ Donation Week Donard Challenge.
Last date for registrations is Friday 19th September 2025.
A promotional poster is attached – please feel free to share this with colleagues and contacts within the organ donation and transplantation community. We will circulate it to supporters to ensure they can get involved, before opening it up more widely is places remain.
Note: while there is no cost to take part, there is a cost to run the challenge therefore numbers are capped at 80 people. With this in mind, please only register if you definitely intend to take part, not just to hold a place as this will incur a cost and may prevent others from getting involved.

Charity Concert - Seven Towers Male Voice Choir
2025-11-15 19:30 | Aghadowey Presbyterian Church, 70 Ardreagh Rd, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4DW
Join us on Saturday 15 November at 7.30pm in Aghadowey Presbyterian Church, 70 Ardreagh Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4DW.
The evening will feature a special performance by the Seven Towers Male Voice Choir from Ballymena, adding to what promises to be a meaningful and uplifting service.

Ballymacash Flower Club Open Evening
2025-11-17 19:00
🌸 Ballymacash Flower Club Open Evening 🌸
We’re delighted that Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund will receive donations from this year’s Ballymacash Flower Club Open Evening.
📅 Monday 17 November 2025🕢 7.30pm (refreshments from 7.00pm)📍 Laurelhill Community College, 22 Laurelhill Road, Lisburn
✨ Enjoy a wonderful floral demonstration by Cherie Nummy (National Demonstrator), titled “A Gift of Seasonal Birds”.
🎟 Tickets £15.00 – available from Joan on 07739 539431.
Come along for a fantastic evening and help support vital kidney research at the same time. 🌿💚

NIKRF NOVEMBER Meeting – ALL WELCOME!
2025-11-19 20:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
November 19 @ 8pm

Venue: Seminar Room, Level 11 Belfast City Hospital, Belfast

Speaker(s):
Eamie Gormley, a kidney recipient who received an incompatible kidney after many years on dialysis, sharing her inspiring journey of hope and perseverance.
Leonie McCaffrey, Patient Centred HD Sister from the Renal Unit, Omagh Hospital, bringing valuable insight from her experience supporting kidney patients across Northern Ireland.

Renel Rendevous
2025-12-15 10:30 | Antrim Library, 10 Railway Street, Antrim, BT41 4AE

Snowdrop Festival 2026
2026-02-14 - 2026-02-15 | Billy Old Rectory, 5 Cabragh Road, Castlecat, Bushmills, BT57 8YH, United Kingdom
The Snowdrop Festival is Back! 🌸

Shake off the winter blues and join us for a weekend of natural beauty and heartfelt community. We are thrilled to announce that NIKRF is returning to the stunning Billy Old Rectory Peace Garden for the annual Snowdrop Festival!

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just in need of a cosy afternoon out, this is the perfect way to spend a February weekend.

🗓️ When & Where

Dates: Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th February

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Billy Old Rectory Peace Garden

☕ Sip for a Cause

While admission fees support the wonderful National Garden Scheme, our incredible NIKRF volunteers will be on-site serving up:

🔥 Steaming Mulled Wine

☕ Fresh Tea & Coffee

🍰 Delicious Refreshments

The best part? Every single donation made for treats and drinks goes directly to NI Kidney Research Fund, helping us continue our vital work.

NI Science Festival 2026
2026-02-14 13:00 - 16:30
Love your Kidneys!
NIKRF are delighted to be part of NI Science Festival again this year with a stand at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for experimental Medicine from 1-4.30pm on 14th Feb. This year we are partnering the phenonemal CPH Research Team who arae leading the way in pioneering research into rare diseases We are proud to be funding part of the research on the Acceleration of Rare Kidney Disease Trials and partnering the research team with RARDTAC.

Quiz Night
2026-02-18 19:30 | The Brown Trout Inn, 209 Agivey Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4AD
Put Your Thinking Caps On for NIKRF! 🧠

Ready to test your trivia knowledge for a fantastic cause? Join us for a Table Quiz to help raise funds for Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund! It’s going to be a night filled with brain-teasers, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs.

Gather your smartest friends, form a team, and help us raise vital funds for kidney research. Whether you’re a history buff, a pop-culture pro, or a sports fanatic, there’s a round for everyone!

📍 Where & When:

Venue: Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn

Address: 209 Agivey Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine BT51 4AD

When: Wednesday, 18 February at 7:30 PM

Why join us? Every penny raised goes directly toward supporting life-changing research and improving the lives of kidney patients across Northern Ireland.

NIKRF FEBRUARY Meeting – ALL WELCOME!
2026-02-18 20:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
February 18 @ 8pm

Venue: Seminar Room, Level 11 Belfast City Hospital, Belfast
Join us at our next NIKRF Members’ Meeting to hear from two of our fantastic researchers who are advancing kidney research in Northern Ireland:

🔬 Dr Kate Mullan – Academic paediatric trainee with a passion for paediatric nephrology
📌 Viewing Paediatric Transplantation through a Longitudinal Lens
🧪 Dr Sam Lockhart
📌 How do IRS2 mutations detected in CKD patients affect kidney epithelial cell function?

World Kidney Day 2026
2026-03-12
World Kidney Day 2026 – Kidney Health for All

This year’s World Kidney Day theme, Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet, highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to kidney care while promoting healthier lifestyles and a more sustainable future.

To mark World Kidney Day on 12th March, the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund will be hosting an awareness stand in the foyer of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast from 10am–3pm. Our team will be sharing practical tips on healthy eating, information about kidney function and disease prevention, and highlighting the vital role of research in improving outcomes for people living with kidney conditions.

Some of our researchers will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss advances in kidney research. Kidney health should be a priority for everyone – by making small but meaningful lifestyle changes, raising awareness, and supporting research, we can work towards a future where kidney disease is preventable and treatable for all.

Launch of new NIKRF Patron
2026-03-12 15:00 | Royal Victoria Hospital, 274 Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, BT12 6BA
Join us in the Royal Victoria Hospital foyer on World Kidney Day 2026 at 3pm for a launch of the new NIKRF Patron.

***SOLD OUT*** Clare Chorale and the 1st Old Boys Silver Band Concert
2026-03-13 19:30 | The Great Hall, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3ST
***THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT***

NIKRF APRIL Outreach Meeting & Ulster University Partnership Launch – ALL WELCOME!
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | C-TRIC Building, Glenshane Rd, Londonderry, BT47 6SB, United Kingdom
🚀 The NIKRF Roadshow is Heading North West!
We are thrilled to announce a brand-new research partnership with Ulster University, and we’re kicking things off with an exclusive open night in Derry/Londonderry!
Ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence could change the future of healthcare? Join us for “Kidney Connections,” where we’ll explore how AI and cutting-edge research are transforming the fight against kidney disease.

🗓️ Event Details:
When: 15th April 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: C-TRIC Building, Altnagelvin Hospital

🎤 Featured Speakers:
💬 Dr Taranjit Singh Rai (Ulster University): “Can AI Accurately Predict Kidney Disease Progression?”
💬 Prof Tim Brown (Belfast City Hospital/Ulster University): “Advances in Complex Kidney Transplantation.”
💬 Dr Oonagh McCloskey (Western Trust): “From Research to Clinical Practice: Advancing Care in the Renal Unit.”

The event will finish with a Q and A session and light refreshments.
This partnership with Ulster University marks an exciting new chapter for NIKRF as we continue supporting innovative research and better care for kidney patients.
Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare professional, or just curious about the future of med-tech, we’d love to see you there. Let’s advance kidney research and patient care together. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring NIKRF research and innovation to the Western community. 📢
